Water prefilling assembly for use in a refrigerating appliance

ABSTRACT

A fluid delivery system for an appliance includes a fluid line in selective communication with a fluid source. A shelf defines a fill zone positioned below an underside of the shelf. A shelf spigot is coupled with the fluid line and disposed proximate the underside of the shelf and over the fill zone. A fluid level sensor is positioned in communication with the fill zone. The fluid level sensor is also in communication with a controller that regulates a flow of fluid through the shelf spigot.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/236,392, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,837,698, filed Dec. 29, 2018,entitled WATER PREFILLING ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN A REFRIGERATING APPLIANCE,the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device is in the field of refrigerating appliances, and morespecifically, a water delivery system for providing prefilled containersof water that can be removed and dispensed by the user.

SUMMARY

In at least one aspect, a refrigerating appliance includes a structuralcabinet having an inner liner and an outer wrapper that define aninsulating cavity. The inner liner defines a refrigerating compartment.A water dispensing system has at least one fluid outlet. A shelf ispositioned within the refrigerating compartment. The shelf includes ashelf spigot of the water dispensing system. The shelf spigot ispositioned below an underside of the shelf. A fluid level sensormonitors a fluid level of a fluid container that is selectivelypositioned within a fill zone located below the shelf spigot. The fluidlevel sensor is in communication with the water dispensing system.

In at least another aspect, a refrigerating appliance includes astructural cabinet having an inner liner that defines a refrigeratingcompartment. A water dispensing system is coupled to the structuralcabinet and having at least one fluid outlet. A shelf is coupled withthe inner liner and positioned within the refrigerating compartment. Theshelf includes a plurality of shelf spigots of the at least one fluidoutlet. The plurality of shelf spigots are positioned below an undersideof the shelf. A plurality of removable fluid containers are incommunication with the plurality of shelf spigots. The plurality ofshelf spigots are positioned below the underside of the shelf. Fluidlevel sensors are in communication with respective fluid containers ofthe plurality of removable fluid containers. The fluid level sensors arein communication with the water dispensing system.

In at least another aspect, a fluid delivery system for an applianceincludes a fluid line in selective communication with a fluid source. Ashelf defines a fill zone positioned below an underside of the shelf. Ashelf spigot is coupled with the fluid line and disposed proximate theunderside of the shelf and over the fill zone. A fluid level sensor ispositioned in communication with the fill zone. The fluid level sensoris also in communication with a controller that regulates a flow offluid through the shelf spigot.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artupon studying the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerating appliance with thedoors in an open position and showing an aspect of the prefilling waterdispenser;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of an aspect of the prefillingwater dispenser and showing a fluid container within a accessible zoneof the appliance;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an aspect of theprefilling water dispenser;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of the prefilling waterdispenser and showing dispensing of water into a removable fluidcontainer;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an aspect of the removable fluidcontainer;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a lid for the removable fluidcontainer of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an aspect of the prefilling watersolution showing a plurality of fluid containers disposed withindedicated portions of the accessible zone;

FIG. 8 is another top perspective view of the prefilling water dispenserof FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a shelf that incorporates anaspect of the prefilling water solution having a load cell as the fluidlevel sensor for the removable fluid container;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the shelf of FIG. 9 taken alongline X-X;

FIG. 11 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the shelf of FIG. 9and showing a tension-type load cell for monitoring an amount of fluidwithin the removable fluid container; and

FIG. 12 is an alternative cross-sectional view of the shelf of FIG. 9and showing the prefill water solution incorporating a load cell for usein connection with a removable fluid container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1 . However, itis to be understood that the device may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With respect to FIGS. 1-6 , reference numeral 10 generally refers to aprefilling water dispenser that is incorporated within a waterdispensing system 12 for an appliance 14. The prefilling water dispenser10 is configured to provide water 16 into removable fluid containers 18that can be cooled within a refrigerating compartment 20 and thenremoved for use as needed by the user. According to various aspects ofthe device, a refrigerating appliance 14 includes a structural cabinet22 having an inner liner 24 and an outer wrapper 26 that define aninsulating cavity 28. The inner liner 24 also defines the refrigeratingcompartment 20 within the structural cabinet 22. A water dispensingsystem 12 is included within the structural cabinet 22 and includes atleast one fluid outlet 30. A shelf 32 is positioned within arefrigerating compartment 20. The shelf 32 includes a shelf spigot 34 ofthe water dispensing system 12. The shelf spigot 34 is typicallypositioned below, and attached to, an underside 36 of the shelf 32. Afluid level sensor 38 is included proximate the shelf spigot 34. Thefluid level sensor 38 monitors a fluid level 40 of a dispensed fluid 42within a removable fluid container 18 that is selectively positionedwithin a fill zone 44 located below the shelf spigot 34. The fluid levelsensor 38 is in communication with the water dispensing system 12. Whenthe fluid level sensor 38 monitors that the dispensed fluid 42 isapproaching or is at a predetermined fill level within the fluiddispenser, the fluid level sensor 38 can communicate with a controller46 to stop a flow of dispensed fluid 42 from the shelf spigot 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-4 , the shelf 32 disposed within the appliance14 can typically include a rail assembly 60 that receives the removablefluid container 18 that operates with the shelf spigot 34 when theremovable fluid container 18 is in an installed position 62. The railassembly 60 can include one or more sliding rails 64 that are adapted toreceive grooves 66 that are defined within a portion of the removablefluid container 18. The rail assembly 60 can also include snap-typeportions or a threaded mechanism 154 (shown in FIG. 8 ) that receives aremovable fluid container 18 within a dedicated portion 68 of the fillzone 44. The rail assembly 60 is configured to receive at least oneremovable fluid container 18. It is also contemplated that the railassembly 60 can receive a plurality of removable fluid containers 18.Where a plurality of removable fluid containers 18 are included, theshelf spigot 34 may include a plurality of fluid ports 70 or outletports that selectively and independently dispense a dispensed fluid 42into a dedicated removable fluid container 18. Using the rail assembly60, a dedicated removable fluid container 18 or one of a plurality ofremovable fluid containers 18 can slidably engage the rail assembly 60to define an installed position 62 that is within the fill zone 44. Theinstalled position 62 or fill position of the various removable fluidcontainers 18 are typically positioned beneath an outlet fluid port 70that is part of the shelf spigot 34.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-6 , in various aspects of the device, theshelf spigot 34 can include an elongated housing 80 that extends from aportion of the structural cabinet 22. The elongated housing 80 cancontain one or more fluid lines 82, where each dedicated fluid line 82is configured to be delivered to separate fluid ports 70 of the shelfspigot 34. Where a single fluid port 70 is included within the shelfspigot 34, a single dedicated fluid line 82 is adapted to be positionedwithin the elongated housing 80 of the shelf spigot 34. Where multiplefluid ports 70 are included within the shelf spigot 34, a single fluidline 82 can be adapted to deliver fluid, typically water 16, through thevarious fluid ports 70 of the shelf spigot 34. In such an embodiment,the fluid line 82 can include one or more valves 136 that can operate toprovide a delivered fluid into the fill zone 44 for filling a removablefluid container 18. In various aspects of the device, the elongatedhousing 80 can include multiple fluid lines 82. In such an embodiment,each fluid line 82 can represent a dedicated fluid line 82 that serves asingle fluid port 70 of the shelf spigot 34.

Referring again to FIGS. 2-6 , the elongated housing 80 of the shelfspigot 34 is configured to cooperatively engage a lid 90 of thededicated removable fluid container 18. In such an embodiment, the railsystem is configured to support the dedicated removable fluid container18 and also position an opening 92 within the lid 90 of the removablefluid container 18 within the fill zone 44 underneath a fluid port 70 ofthe shelf spigot 34. In various aspects of the device, the elongatedhousing 80 can matingly fit within an aperture 94 defined within the lid90 for the dedicated removable fluid container 18. This matingengagement between the elongated housing 80 and the lid 90 for theremovable fluid container 18 can be adapted to minimize splashing,leakage, and other occurrences where dispensed fluid 42 is disposedoutside of the dedicated removable fluid container 18.

As discussed above, the dedicated removable fluid container 18 caninclude sliding members or grooves 66 that are located proximate the lid90 for the removable fluid container 18. These grooves 66 can be in theform of contoured portions of side walls for the removable fluidcontainer 18. These contoured portions or grooves 66 are configured toslidably engage the sliding rails 64 of the rail assembly 60 for movingthe removable fluid container 18 into the installed position 62 forfilling within the fill zone 44. The aperture 94 within the lid 90 thatmatingly receives the elongated housing 80 can also serve as a stop orbumper 96 for limiting the inward movement of the removable fluidcontainer 18 into the installed position 62. Through this bumper 96, thecooperation of the lid 90 and the elongated housing 80 can serve toproperly position the removable fluid container 18 in the fill zone 44.

Additionally, the bottom surface of the elongated housing 80 iscontained within the interior volume 98 of the removable fluid container18 such that the fluid port 70 is entirely contained within the interiorvolume 98 of the removable fluid container 18. As dispensed water 16enters into the removable fluid container 18, a pour spout 100 for theremovable fluid container 18 can be offset from a surface of theelongated housing 80. Through this offset configuration, a space isprovided to allow for equalization of pressure between the interiorvolume 98 of the removable fluid container 18 and the areas surroundingthe removable fluid container 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the shelf spigot 34 can include aplurality of fluid ports 70 that cooperatively define a fill zone 44. Insuch an embodiment, each fluid port 70 defines a dedicated portion 68 ofthe fill zone 44. Additionally, each fluid port 70 in each of thededicated portions 68 of the fill zone 44 are configured to respectivelyreceive a removable fluid container 18 of plurality of removable fluidcontainers 18. In this manner, separate removable fluid containers 18can be attached with the rail assembly 60 for defining the installedposition 62 of each of the removable fluid containers 18. The railassembly 60 can be configured to slidably engage each of the pluralityof removable fluid containers 18. It is also contemplated that each ofthe plurality of removable fluid containers 18 can be rotatingly engagedwith a threaded portion of the elongated housing 80 of the fill spigotor the rail assembly 60 of the shelf 32. It should be understood thatvarious types of engagements between the removable fluid containers 18and the rail assembly 60 or the elongated housing 80 are possible. Suchengagements are adapted to be robust enough to support, from anunderside 36 of the shelf 32, the dedicated removable fluid containers18 and the dispensed fluid 42 contained therein.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the elongated housing 80, in certainaspects of the device, can be integrally formed within a portion of theshelf 32. Accordingly, the elongated housing 80 can include a portion ofthe shelf 32, within which the fluid line 82 or fluid lines 82 are runfor delivering water 16 to the shelf spigot 34 that can include theplurality of fluid ports 70. In such an embodiment, the elongatedhousing 80 can define a top surface 120 of the shelf 32. Accordingly,this top surface 120 of the shelf 32, which includes the elongatedhousing 80, can provide space upon which various items can be storedwithin the refrigerating compartment 20.

Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8 , a front portion 122 or nose of theelongated housing 80 can define a user interface 124 for operating theshelf spigot 34 that includes the one or more fluid ports 70. Accordingto various aspects of the device, the shelf spigot 34 can include theplurality of fluid ports 70. These various fluid ports 70 are configuredto direct a dispensed fluid 42 in a generally downward direction andinto the fill zone 44. As discussed above, dedicated portions 68 of thisfill zone 44 can be reserved for dedicated removable fluid containers 18that can be engaged with the rail assembly 60 for holding the dedicatedremovable fluid container 18 in the installed position 62 relative tothe fluid ports 70.

In various aspects of the device, as exemplified in FIGS. 7 and 8 , oneof the fluid ports 70 can define a user accessible portion 130 of thefill zone 44. This user accessible portion 130 is configured toselectively receive an external fluid container 132. This external fluidcontainer 132 can be in the form of a glass, pitcher, bowl, flexiblemember, absorbent material, or other similar material or container thatcan be used to hold dispensed fluid 42 therein. In such an embodiment,the plurality of removable fluid containers 18 can correspond to thededicated portions 68 of the fill zone 44 that are distal from the useraccessible portion 130. In certain aspects of the device, the useraccessible portion 130 may not include usable portions of the railassembly 60. In such an embodiment, the external fluid container 132 canbe moved substantially close to the fluid port 70 that defines the useraccessible portion 130. Upon activation of the fluid port 70 within theuser accessible portion 130, dispensed fluid 42 can be dispensed intothe external fluid container 132. It is contemplated that the useraccessible portion 130 can be operated by a fluid level sensor 38,proximity sensor 134, or other similar positioning sensor that candetect the presence of an external fluid container 132 within the useraccessible portion 130. Using various sensors, the controller 46 for thewater dispensing system 12 can activate a valve 136 to dispense adispensed fluid 42 into the user accessible portion 130 upon sensingthat an external fluid container 132 is properly positioned in the useraccessible portion 130. It is also contemplated that the user interface124 can be used to either manually activate a valve 136 for providingdispensed water 16, or for communicating to a controller 46 to activatethe valve 136 for providing dispensed fluid 42 into the user accessibleportion 130.

According to various aspects of the device, as exemplified in FIGS. 1-8, one or more fluid level sensors 38 can be incorporated with the shelfspigot 34 for monitoring the amount of dispensed fluid 42 within adedicated removable fluid container 18 or an external fluid container132 within a user accessible portion 130 that includes a dedicated useraccessible shelf spigot 34 or fluid outlet 30. These various sensors caninclude, but are not limited to, proximity sensors 134, fluid levelsensors 38, pressure sensors, weight scales, floats, lasers, ultrasonicsensors, infrared sensors, cameras, microphones, and various othersensors that can be used to determine an amount of dispensed fluid 42within a particular removable fluid container 18 or external fluidcontainer 132. The sensors of the shelf spigot 34 can also beincorporated to monitor the presence of a dedicated removable fluidcontainer 18 or an external fluid container 132. Using the fluid levelsensors 38 and the container detection sensors, a controller 46 canmonitor and evaluate whether a container is appropriately in aninstalled position 62 within a dedicated portion 68 of the fill zone 44.The controller 46 can also evaluate the amount of dispensed fluid 42within the dedicated fluid container for operating a valve 136 to stopthe flow of dispensed fluid 42 therein. Additionally, the controller 46can use the fluid level sensor 38 and the container detection sensorsfor assessing a user accessible portion 130 for monitoring when anexternal fluid container 132 is positioned in an installed position 62to receive dispensed water 16 from a fluid port 70. The fluid levelsensor 38 can also assess the amount of dispensed fluid 42 containedwithin the external fluid container 132.

According to various aspects of the device, the rail assembly 60 thatcooperates with the elongated housing 80 and the shelf spigot 34 isconfigured to define the installed position 62 of the dedicatedremovable fluid container 18. In this embodiment, the installed position62 of the dedicated removable fluid container 18 can be defined by theremovable fluid container 18 being engaged with the rail assembly 60 andalso suspended from the rail assembly 60 so that the removable fluidcontainer 18 is suspended above a vertically adjacent shelf 150. Bysuspending the removable fluid container 18 above the verticallyadjacent shelf 150, movement of the removable fluid container 18 fromthe installed position 62 to a removed position 152, separate from therail assembly 60, can be a convenient sliding motion that involves onlymovement of the removable fluid container 18 with respect to the railassembly 60. Additionally, by suspending the removable fluid container18 above the vertically adjacent shelf 150, a threaded mechanism 154 canbe used for placing a dedicated removable fluid container 18 within theinstalled position 62. The space above the vertically adjacent shelf 150provides for a vertical movement that coincides with operation of thethreaded mechanism 154 of the dedicated removable fluid container 18with respect to the elongated housing 80 of the shelf spigot 34.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-8 , the refrigerating appliance 14 caninclude the structural cabinet 22 having the inner liner 24 that definesthe refrigerating compartment 20. The water dispensing system 12 iscoupled to the structural cabinet 22 and includes at least one fluidoutlet 30. The shelf 32 is coupled with the inner liner 24 and ispositioned within the refrigerating compartment 20. The shelf 32includes a plurality of shelf spigots 34 that make up the at least onefluid port 70. The plurality of shelf spigots 34 are positioned below anunderside 36 of the shelf 32. A plurality of removable fluid containers18 can be placed in communication with the plurality of shelf spigots34, respectively. The plurality of shelf spigots 34 can be positionedbelow an underside 36 of the shelf 32. Fluid level sensors 38 arepositioned proximate the shelf 32 and can be positioned below the shelf32 and are in communication with the respective removable fluidcontainers 18 of the plurality of removable fluid containers 18. Thefluid level sensors 38 are also in communication with the waterdispensing system 12, and in particular, a controller 46 for the waterdispensing system 12. The rail assembly 60 for the plurality of shelfspigots 34 selectively receives and supports a plurality of removablefluid containers 18 within the fill zone 44 that corresponds todedicated shelf spigots 34 of the plurality of shelf spigots 34. Asdiscussed above, the plurality of shelf spigots 34 may be referred to asfluid ports 70. One of these fluid ports 70 can include theuser-accessible fluid port 70 that is distal from the rail assembly 60.The user-accessible fluid port 70 is configured to define the useraccessible portion 130.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-8 , each shelf spigot 34 is configured to bein communication with a dedicated fluid line 82 and a dedicated fluidlevel sensor 38 of the various fluid level sensors 38. As discussedabove, each shelf spigot 34 can include a plurality of fluid ports 70that dispense a dispensed fluid 42 into the fill zone 44. The pluralityof removable fluid containers 18 are configured to engage the railassembly 60 to define the installed position 62 within a dedicatedportion 68 of the fill zone 44. The installed position 62 of eachremovable fluid container 18 of the plurality of removable fluidcontainers 18 is defined by the removable fluid container 18 engagingthe rail assembly 60 and being suspended above the vertically adjacentshelf 150. Typically, the shelf spigots 34 can be attached to theunderside 36 of the shelf 32. It is also contemplated that the shelfspigots 34 can be incorporated within an elongated housing 80 that formsa portion of the shelf 32.

As exemplified in FIGS. 2-8 , a fluid delivery system for the appliance14 includes a fluid line 82 that is in selective communication with afluid source 160. This fluid source 160 can take the form of a largerstorage tank within the appliance 14. The fluid source 160 can also takethe form of an external fluid source 160 such as a tap that is connectedto a water pump or municipal water supply. The shelf 32 defines the fillzone 44 that is positioned below an underside 36 of the shelf 32. Theshelf spigot 34 is coupled with the fluid line 82 and is disposedproximate the underside 36 of the shelf 32 and over the fill zone 44. Asdiscussed above, the shelf spigot 34 can be incorporated within anelongated housing 80 that defines a portion of the shelf 32. In such anembodiment, the elongated housing 80 can include a top surface 120 thatis coplanar with the remainder of the upper surface 170 for the shelf32. The fluid level sensor 38 is positioned in communication with thefill zone 44. The fluid level sensor 38 is also in communication withthe controller 46 that regulates a flow of the dispensed fluid 42through the various fluid ports 70 of the shelf spigot 34.

According to various aspects of the device, the fluid delivery systemdescribed herein can be incorporated within various appliances 14. Theseappliances 14 can include, but are not limited to, refrigerators,freezers, coolers, water coolers, and other similar appliances that areconfigured to dispense fluid into a separate container.

According to various aspects of the device, the rail assembly 60 that ispositioned proximate the elongated housing 80 can be used to laterallyposition the removable fluid container 18 within the fill zone 44. Insuch an embodiment, the removable fluid container 18 may rest upon thevertically adjacent shelf 150. The rail assembly 60 cooperates with theremovable fluid container 18 to laterally position the removable fluidcontainer 18 within the fill zone 44. Accordingly, in this embodiment,the rail assembly 60 may not support, vertically, the fluid container.

Referring now to aspects of the device, as exemplified in FIGS. 9-12 ,the prefilling water dispenser 10 can include a fluid level sensor 38that incorporates a load cell 210 for monitoring a fluid level 40 of thedispensed fluid 42 that is contained within the removable fluidcontainer 18. The load cell 210 can be incorporated within a headassembly 212 that receives the removable fluid container 18. The variousfluid lines 82 can extend into the head assembly 212 for delivering thewater 16 through the dedicated fluid port 70 of the shelf spigot 34 intothe removable fluid container 18. The removable fluid container 18 hangsfrom the head assembly 212. The head assembly 212 includes a gravityportion 214 that engages the load cell 210 that is coupled to the shelf32. In this manner, the removable fluid container 18 exerts a downwardforce 216 upon the head assembly 212, which moves vertically withrespect to the shelf 32 and load cell 210. This downward force 216 istransferred via the gravity portion 214 and into the load cell 210. Asthe amount of dispensed fluid 42 increases within the removable fluidcontainer 18, the amount of downward force 216 exerted upon the headassembly 212 also increases. This increase in weight of the dispensedfluid 42 within the removable fluid container 18 is transferred into theload cell 210. The load cell 210 monitors this downward force 216. Whenthe removable fluid container 18 is filled, the load cell 210 is adaptedto automatically shut off the valve 136 to prevent an overflow ofdispensed fluid 42 within the removable fluid container 18.

As exemplified in FIG. 10 , the load cell 210 can be positionedcentrally within the head assembly 212. In such an embodiment, thegravity portion 214 places a downward force 216 that compresses aportion of the load cell 210.

According to various aspects of the device, the removable fluidcontainer 18 can be a portable drinking bottle that can be removed fromthe head assembly 212 for portable use by a user. The rotating assemblythat is positioned at the top of the removable fluid 18 can be used inconnection with the head assembly 212. When removed from the headassembly 212, a separate portable adapter can be attached to the top ofthe removable fluid container 18 for use as a portable drinking bottle.This portable drinking bottle can be stored within the refrigeratingappliance to cool the water 16 contained therein. When the water bottleis empty or near empty, the removable water bottle 18 can be connectedwith a head assembly 212 to be automatically filled with water 16. Usingthe load cell 210, the water dispenser 10 can determine an amount ofwater 16 contained within the removable fluid container 18 at any time.The load cell 210 can also operate to measure when the removable fluidcontainer 18 is filled with water 16 to prevent overflow by shutting offthe valve 136. Accordingly, the load cell 210 can be attached with acontroller 46 for operating the water dispenser 10.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , the load cell 210 can be in the form of atension cell 218. The tension cell 218 operates in connection with thehead assembly 212. Using the tension cell 218, the downward force 216exerted by the removable fluid container 18 having the water 16 is apulling force rather than a downward compressive force. In this manner,the tension cell 218 measures an amount of tension represented by thedownward force 216 exerted by the removable fluid container 18 havingwater 16 contained therein. The head assembly 212 is attached to thetension cell 18 and pulls a portion of the tension cell 218 downward tomeasure the downward force 216. To conceal various components of theload cell 210, a cosmetic cover 220 can be positioned around the headassembly 212 for concealing the load cell 210, the tension cell 218, orother similar aspect of the load cell 210.

According to various aspects of the device, the load cell 210 can beincorporated within an aspect of the rail assembly 60. In such anembodiment, the load cell 210 can be coupled with one or both of thesliding rails 64. Where the removable fluid container 18 is a pitcherthat engages the sliding rails 64, the sliding rails 64 can transfer thedownward force 216 that is exerted by the removable fluid container 18having the water 16 into the load cell 210. As with the previous aspectsof the device, the load cell 210 can be incorporated within a portion ofthe shelf 32.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , the load cell 210 can be positioned eccentricto the head assembly 212 and the removable water bottle 18. In such anembodiment, the head assembly 212 can include a moment arm 222 thatexerts the downward force 216 onto the load cell 210. Using the momentarm 222, the downward force 216 is exerted along a vertical axis 224that may be outside of the removable fluid container 18. Using themoment arm 222, the downward force 216 engages the load cell 210 alongthis vertical axis 224. Where there is improper installation between theremovable fluid container 18 and the head assembly 212, a torque istypically exerted upon the head assembly 212. This torque results in thedownward force 216 being exerted onto the load cell 210 in an angulardirection 226. When the downward force 216 is exerted in this angulardirection 226, an improper load is placed upon the load cell 210. Thisimproper loading is communicated by the load cell 210 and to the user toprovide an error message concerning the installation of the removablefluid container 18 within the head assembly 212. When the removablefluid container 18 is properly installed within the head assembly 212,the downward force 216 is exerted by the moment arm 222 along thevertical axis 224 and into the load cell 210. In this embodiment, themoment arm 222 is an outward extension of the head assembly 212.

In various aspects of the device, the downward force 216 exerted by theremovable fluid container 18 onto the head assembly 212 is substantiallysimilar to that exemplified in FIG. 10 . Additionally, it iscontemplated that the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 can include apair of load cells 210. One load cell 210 can be used to measure anamount of water 16 contained within the removable fluid container. Theother load cell 210 can be used to determine whether the removable fluidcontainer 18 has been properly installed within the head assembly 212.Alternatively, it is contemplated that a single load cell 210 can bepositioned eccentric to the head assembly 212 for engaging the momentarm 222 that extends outward from the head assembly 212.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described device and other components is not limitedto any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the devicedisclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unlessdescribed otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the device as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present device. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above aremerely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope ofthe device, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A refrigerating appliance comprising: astructural cabinet having an inner liner and an outer wrapper thatdefine an insulating cavity, wherein the inner liner defines arefrigerating compartment; a water dispensing system having at least onefluid outlet; a shelf that is positioned within an interior of therefrigerating compartment, wherein the shelf includes a top surface forstoring items within the refrigerating compartment; and a shelf spigotof the water dispensing system, the shelf spigot disposed on anunderside of the shelf for delivering fluid to a fill zone below theunderside of the shelf, the shelf having a container retaining mechanismfor securing a fluid container to the underside of the shelf and withinthe fill zone, wherein the container retaining mechanism selectivelysupports the fluid container from above, wherein the container retainingmechanism includes a load cell that senses a weight of the fluidcontainer and contents of the fluid container, and wherein the load cellis in communication with the water dispensing system wherein the shelfspigot extends through a portion of the container retaining mechanism.2. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the shelf spigotextends through a portion of the load cell.
 3. The refrigeratingappliance of claim 1, wherein the shelf spigot includes an elongatedhousing that cooperatively engages a lid of the fluid container, whereinthe container retaining mechanism is configured to support the fluidcontainer and position an opening of the fluid container in the fillzone.
 4. The refrigerating appliance of claim 1, wherein the shelfspigot includes a plurality of fluid ports, wherein each fluid portdefines dedicated portions of the fill zone, and wherein each fluid portand each of the dedicated portions of the fill zone are configured torespectively receive any one fluid container of a plurality of fluidcontainers.
 5. The refrigerating appliance of claim 4, wherein eachfluid port includes a dedicated load cell.
 6. The refrigeratingappliance of claim 4, wherein a user-accessible fluid port of theplurality of fluid ports defines a user accessible portion of the fillzone, wherein the user accessible portion is configured to selectivelyreceive an external fluid container, and wherein the plurality of fluidcontainers correspond to the dedicated portions of the fill zone distalfrom the user accessible portion.
 7. The refrigerating appliance ofclaim 2, wherein an installed position of the fluid container is definedby the fluid container being engaged with the load cell and suspendedabove a vertically adjacent shelf.
 8. The refrigerating appliance ofclaim 1, wherein the load cell includes a plurality of sensors spacedthroughout the container retaining mechanism, wherein the weight of thefluid container and the contents of the fluid container are configuredto be distributed evenly among the plurality of sensors to determinewhether the fluid container is properly installed.
 9. A refrigeratingappliance comprising: a structural cabinet having an inner liner thatdefines a refrigerating compartment; a water dispensing system coupledto the structural cabinet and having at least one fluid outlet; a shelfthat is coupled with the inner liner and positioned within therefrigerating compartment, wherein the shelf includes a plurality ofshelf spigots of the at least one fluid outlet, the plurality of shelfspigots being positioned below an underside of the shelf; a containerretaining mechanism disposed on the underside of the shelf, thecontainer retaining mechanism including a plurality of weight-sensingload cells; a plurality of removable fluid containers that are incommunication with the plurality of shelf spigots, the plurality ofshelf spigots being positioned below the underside of the shelf, whereinthe plurality of removable fluid containers are selectively secured tothe container retaining mechanism to be supported from above andpositioned below the plurality of shelf spigots, wherein the pluralityof weight-sensing load cells senses a weight of the plurality ofremovable fluid containers, respectively, and wherein the plurality ofweight-sensing load cells is in communication with the water dispensingsystem, wherein each shelf spigot of the plurality of shelf spigots isin communication with a dedicated fluid line and a dedicatedweight-sensing load cell; and a rail assembly of the container retainingmechanism that selectively receives and supports the plurality ofremovable fluid containers within a fill zone that corresponds todedicated shelf spigots of the plurality of shelf spigots, wherein theplurality of weight-sensing load cells extend between the rail assemblyand a stationary portion of the container retaining mechanism, whereinthe plurality of weight-sensing load cells and the rail assembly deflectwith respect to the shelf and the stationary portion of the containerretaining mechanism.
 10. The refrigerating appliance of claim 9, whereinthe plurality of shelf spigots includes a user-accessible fluid portthat is distal from the container retaining mechanism, wherein theuser-accessible fluid port defines a user accessible portion of the fillzone.
 11. The refrigerating appliance of claim 9, wherein the pluralityof removable fluid containers engage the rail assembly to define aninstalled position within a dedicated portion of the fill zone.
 12. Therefrigerating appliance of claim 11, wherein the installed position ofeach removable fluid container of the plurality of removable fluidcontainers is defined by the removable fluid container engaged with therail assembly and suspended above a vertically adjacent shelf.
 13. Therefrigerating appliance of claim 9, wherein the plurality of shelfspigots are attached to the underside of the shelf.
 14. A fluid deliverysystem for an appliance, the fluid delivery system comprising: a fluidline in selective communication with a fluid source; a shelf having atop surface for storing items within a compartment and defining a fillzone positioned below an underside of the shelf and within thecompartment, the shelf having a retaining load cell positioned on theunderside of the shelf for supporting a removable container from aboveand for sensing a weight of the removable container and contents of theremovable container; and a shelf spigot coupled with the fluid line anddisposed proximate the underside of the shelf and over the fill zone,wherein the retaining load cell is in communication with a controllerthat regulates a flow of fluid through the shelf spigot.
 15. The fluiddelivery system of claim 14, further comprising: a rail assembly that iscoupled with the retaining load cell, wherein the rail assembly thatselectively positions a dedicated fluid container in the fill zone. 16.The fluid delivery system of claim 15, wherein the dedicated fluidcontainer is entirely supported by the rail assembly and the retainingload cell.
 17. The fluid delivery system of claim 14, wherein theretaining load cell includes a plurality of sensors spaced within theretaining load cell, wherein the weight of the removable container andthe contents of the removable container are configured to be distributedevenly among the plurality of sensors to determine whether the removablecontainer is properly installed.